Public Policy Network

With the 2018 midterms rapidly shrinking in the rear-view mirror, key policy players are scrambling in a number of different directions at the same time. The 115th Congress, which ceases to exist on January 3, is working to finish business that could have been done before the elections but must be done before the end of the year. Members of the 116th Congress, particularly House Democrats, are running full speed (not necessarily in the same direction) in an effort to get organized by January 3. In the meantime, the President and approximately 20 Democrats are starting to prepare for the 2020 presidential elections, which are a mere 700 days away.

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When teaching a teenager to drive, one of the first items covered by the terrified parent is the importance of using one foot for both the gas pedal and the brake. One foot on the gas and the other on the brake makes for an unhappy keeper of the car keys. This same rule might apply to the nation's fiscal and monetary policy as well, making for a well-adjusted economy. Or, maybe not.

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Congress may feel a little like comedian Rodney Dangerfield who was famous for bemoaning the fact that he "got no respect." Dangerfield once observed, "My psychiatrist told me I was crazy, and I said, 'I want a second opinion.' He said, 'Okay, you're ugly too.'" Today's Congress is presiding over a strong economy with very low unemployment, yet the RealClearPolitics political website polling average shows that 73 percent of the public disapproves of Congress, while only 18.2 percent approves.

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Labor Day holds a special place on election-year calendars because that is when many voters start to lock in their candidate preferences. However, as everyone in politics learned in 2016, many of the accepted dynamics of previous elections may no longer apply.

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It seems like Washington is becoming a tougher place to live and work. Members of the current administration are being driven out of restaurants by protesters and even denied service. Barbs and personal attacks are flying frequently at all levels of power. In the broader range of history, however, it may be comforting to remember that things have been much worse.

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As July ends, members of the House are home for recess. Fifty-seven Representatives are not seeking re-election, and are either retiring or seeking a different office. The Senate has delayed its August recess so that it can stay in Washington to work on the confirmation of judges and other matters.

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